Manchester United’s defensive woes have been exacerbated by the absence of Lisandro Martinez, who has been sidelined with an ACL injury since last season. Despite Leny Yoro stepping up at times, his right-footed nature has left a gap that manager Ruben Amorim has attempted to fill by deploying Luke Shaw in that pivotal left center-back role this season. As the team struggles to maintain its defensive integrity, the urgency for Martinez’s return grows stronger. Encouragingly, the World Cup-winning Argentine is back training on grass, hinting that his comeback might be imminent.
However, rumors are swirling around the potential for Martinez to transition into a defensive midfield role upon his return, a move spurred by the team’s limited options in that area. With Casemiro no longer commanding the midfield as he once did and Manuel Ugarte facing difficulties since his much-anticipated move to Old Trafford, the prospect of Martinez taking on a new position raises eyebrows. While he has experience playing deeper in midfield, it remains to be seen whether this switch aligns with his preferences.
As speculation mounts about his future, Barcelona has emerged as a significant contender for Martinez’s signature. Reports from Spain indicate that Lionel Messi, the legendary forward and Martinez’s compatriot, is actively advocating for the defender’s move to the Camp Nou. Messi recognizes Barcelona’s pressing need for a left-footed defender, especially after the recent departure of Íñigo Martínez to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, which has created a significant gap in their defensive line.
Messi has been vocal in his support for Martinez, communicating with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick about his potential as a valuable asset. The Argentine believes that Martinez could offer a more financially viable option compared to Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni, who has been touted as the primary target for Barcelona’s defensive overhaul.
The Catalan club is keen on reinforcing their backline, particularly after facing challenges with current defenders like Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araújo, who have not fully convinced management of their capabilities alongside Pau Cubarsí. With Gerard Martín also returning but raising questions about his reliability, the pressure is mounting on Barcelona to make a decisive move.
Despite Messi’s enthusiastic recommendations, Barcelona is acutely aware that Bastoni remains the preferred choice. However, should financial constraints hinder that pursuit, Lisandro Martinez could emerge as a more affordable alternative. His injury history might give some pause, but when fit, he is undoubtedly one of the best defenders available, renowned for his ball-playing abilities and tenacity under pressure.
As the summer transfer window looms, all eyes will be on how this situation unfolds. The fate of Lisandro Martinez could hinge on not just his recovery, but also on the strategic decisions made by both Manchester United and Barcelona. The coming weeks promise to be pivotal, as the football world watches closely to see if Messi’s influence can sway his fellow Argentine to join him at Barcelona, potentially reshaping the landscape of both clubs’ defenses for the coming years.
